French Magister

The Fouga CM-170 Magister was the first primery jet trainer to enter production under a French Armee de L’air specification. The Magister sprang from the previous work of designer PierreMauboussin who was known ore fitting small turbojets engines to light aircraft and gliders.The prototype of the distinctive butterfly-tail jet built by the air Fouga Company made its first flight on July 1952. Its performance impressed the French Air Force so much that it immediately ordered 10 pre-productions models,quikly followed by over 400 production aircraft.A navelized variant the CM-175 Zephyr appeared fitted with tail hook and strengthened landing gear to allow aircraft carrier operations.32 Zephyrs were built for the Aeronavale.
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Tanyaa

…..Perhaps there are those who have noticed similar ‘exhibits ‘ at French airfields?

When I went on several of Bob Ogden’s European tours in the early 1970s it was Dassault Ouragans – it seemed that every little airfield in France had one. I always wanted one – wish they were still around.

Roger Smith.

All over France there are Magisters in various states of preservation. In my area Dinan has one, and Rennes airport has several. Would that there were as many examples of similar vintage aircraft in the UK just ‘hanging around.’
Perhaps there are those who have noticed similar ‘exhibits ‘ at French airfields?

I, on the other hand, immediately thought “Fouga” when I saw “French” and “Magister” together.

Here is what one looks like with engines installed… I have always marveled over its small ground clearance!!!

This keeps it from leaving a trail of sparks on take-off:

When you’ve worked on them for a few years, you know;) You see how high it stands on it’s main gear with the tail all up in the sky? That’s typical for a Fouga with the engines removed. The lack of engine weight makes the tail reach for the sky. It’s also missing it’s tailwheel. Also, I just checked my Fouga serial list. This one is noted as preserved.

Point taken.

Richard

How can you tell it has no engines fitted as it looks complete to me, only defect visible is lack of nose leg extension.
Richard

When you’ve worked on them for a few years, you know;) You see how high it stands on it’s main gear with the tail all up in the sky? That’s typical for a Fouga with the engines removed. The lack of engine weight makes the tail reach for the sky. It’s also missing it’s tailwheel. Also, I just checked my Fouga serial list. This one is noted as preserved.

How can you tell it has no engines fitted as it looks complete to me, only defect visible is lack of nose leg extension.

Richard

I wouldn’t take anyone with a handle of Fouga to task over that!:D

I doubt that’s the Fouga you saw flying as it doesn’t seem to have any engines fitted.

How can you tell it has no engines fitted as it looks complete to me, only defect visible is lack of nose leg extension.

Richard

the fouga magister is one of the few planes i have a personal history with, when i did my work experiance at RAF manston in 1996 a pair of them came into land from the belgian airforce display team, and i got to help marshall them in and refuel them, a great time, i moved at the wrong time and got screamed at by the marshaller, quite rightly, nearly got my head taken off!

😀

the fouga magister is one of the few planes i have a personal history with, when i did my work experiance at RAF manston in 1996 a pair of them came into land from the belgian airforce display team, and i got to help marshall them in and refuel them, a great time, i moved at the wrong time and got screamed at by the marshaller, quite rightly, nearly got my head taken off!

I doubt that’s the Fouga you saw flying as it doesn’t seem to have any engines fitted. The flea is a “modern” design. There are several ultralight flea version on the market.

I was looking for a Miles Magister!:(

The ‘Flea’ may be a post war model although the three blade prop would suggest Rotax and therefore an ultraflight design.:confused:

Sounds fun!

Excellent pics!